Is the Insurance Company Being Fair with Your Car Accident Claim?
When making a car insurance claim, you may be worried about whether or not the insurance company is being fair with you. You have a right to be concerned — after all, the insurance company has a lot at stake in any given claim. This article will discuss some tips for knowing whether or not the insurance company is being fair with you during the claims process. We’ll also advise on what to do if you feel like the insurance company is treating you unfairly.
Key Things You Need to Consider Before You Decide if the Offer Is Fair
The Extent of Your Injury
Your injuries will have a direct impact on how much your car accident claim is worth. As such, you should clearly understand the extent of your injuries before you start negotiating with the insurance company. Some of the things you’ll need to take into account include:
- The type of injury you have
- The severity of the injury
- How long it will take for you to recover from the injury
- The kind of treatment you’ll need
- The expected cost of treatment
- The impact the injury will have on your life going forward
Your Financial Loss
In addition to the physical injuries you’ve suffered, you’ll also need to take into account any financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. Failure to which, the insurance company will take advantage of you. Some aspects of financial loss to consider include:
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
The Emotional Impact
The emotional impact of an accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. The emotional impact of an accident can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. You could even end up straining your relationships with your family and friends. All these factors need to be considered when trying to determine the value of your claim.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Take Advantage of You
While the insurance company may come off as being fair in their initial offer, it’s important to remember that they’re not looking out for your best interests. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little money as possible. As such, you need to be very careful when you’re negotiating with them. Make sure you understand the value of your claim, and don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.
If you feel like the insurance company is not being fair to you, there are a few things you can do:
Speak With an Experienced Attorney
Attorneys deal with insurance companies daily and know how to get the most money for their clients. We recommend speaking with an experienced attorney before you speak with an insurance claims adjuster. An experienced car accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
File a Complaint
If you feel like the insurance company is not treating you fairly, you may consider filing a complaint with the state’s insurance commissioner. The insurance commissioner will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action if they find that the insurance company is not treating you fairly.
Take Them to Court
This is usually a last resort, but it is an option if you feel like the insurance company has wronged you.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
If you find yourself in the position of having to file a claim with your insurance company, The Hoffman Law Firm is here to help. We know the ins and outs of the insurance claims process after a car accident and can help protect your legal rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
